Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Published 7:42 AM by with 4 comments

Wednesday Wanderings

Today's parenting links are, for the most part, slightly controversial, so read ahead at your own risk! I will say that I do not agree with everything written in the articles, but still found part or all of each article interesting and worth the read. It's good to have to your own views challenged occasionally. How else will we grow?

She looked so sweet an innocent that I thought parenting would be easy.
Joke's on me!

While it's true that modern life means that children often miss out on the pleasures of a good book, I disagree with the author's final conclusion, that MORE technology is the answer.

The question of discipline: to spank, or not to spank? This is one of the most highly debated topics in the mommy wars. One author believes that you don't need to use physical punishment to raise decent children. What do YOU think?

Another super controversial topic: "crying it out", or letting the baby cry itself to sleep. Here is a doctor who writes about the effects of following this method.

Would you agree that this is the number one secret for working well with your own children? I was a bit surprised, but I do understand where the author is coming from!

"How to talk to your daughter about her body, step one: don't talk to your daughter about her body, except to tell her how it works." Strong words to start this article!

It's easy to look at another mom and think, "she's got it all together! She's the perfect mom, and I am so UNPERFECT because I don't bake my own bread/nurse my baby until he's five/live on a homestead in Montana/have ten children/always have a clean house/operate three different Etsy shops/live in a solar powered home." Rest at ease, mama: being a mother is enough. For the record, I loved this entire article : )

Heard yet of the CTFD Parenting Method? When I read about it, I was like, "yeah, I could definitely use some of that! Good thinking!" Warning: if you don't like swearing, don't read it. Also, read with a bit of humor.

We've all made mistakes as parents. It happens, it will happen, and hopefully we will come out of our disappointing moments with more wisdom for a better solution next time. Here are encouraging words from a fellow mom-in-the-trenches on "knowing better" after working through tough decisions: living in a place of guilt and/or regret is not an ideal place to be, which is why I've worked to make peace with decisions that I cannot change. But I'd still rather live with regret than complacency any day. Living in regret isn't nearly as bad as living in denial and refusing to admit that I was wrong in the first place."

And, finally, for all you co-sleepers out there (or those of you who somehow end up with children in your bed by morning), here's a hilarious picture of the ten most common baby sleep positions. I laughed hysterically when I read it, but I don't think I would have found it quite as funny if I hadn't been able to say, "been there, done that!"

Like always, I welcome your responses, whether you agree or disagree with anything you've read here! What do you think?
      edit

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow! Thanks for the reads... I'll be busy this evening. I try not to "weigh-in" on parenting issues. Parenting is a very unique journey which is individual to each family and their circumstances, cultural background, and personal preferences. Regardless, it's still interesting to see what other people are researching, discussing, etc.

Love the picture - so cute!

Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo

Lyssa said...

You're absolutely right. Parenting is such a personal, individual journey for every family! Thanks for checking out the links. It always fascinates me to read about how other parents are raising their children to the best of their ability!

Anonymous said...

Yeah- I got my comment issues resolved.
Wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your collection of links. These ones were especially interesting to me, even if I didn't quite agree. My mom raised four of us and said she had to utilize four different techniques just to suit our temperaments and personalities...so whatever works. As long as we raise them with love.

Lyssa said...

Totally makes sense, Lauren. What works for one child may not work for another. It's all about loving them for who they are and helping them grow in the best way possible!